Southeast Best Agency to Work for – Bronze: Celedinas Insurance Group

November 6, 2015 by

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA

Best Agency to Work For – Southeast

Providing a Personal Touch From the Top

Ray Celedinas may be the “man at the top” and namesake of the successful Celedinas Insurance Group, but employees of the Florida-based agency say he has always made them feel valued and appreciated, no matter what their role at the company is.

Insurance Journal’s 2015 Best Agency to Work for Southeast – Bronze winner was commended by its employees for being an honest, fair and respectful place to work.

“Mr. Celedinas strives for excellence in this agency and is continually praising his employees for the good work they do,” wrote one survey respondent. “Every day I have seen him stop when he comes in and again before he leaves checking in with every department and division to say hello and recognizing them for the hard work. That personal touch is special to all and an encouragement.”

Employees not only raved about their boss, but also about the reputation the agency has created in the high-net worth space, in which it specializes. The company also offers other personal lines coverage options; commercial property/casualty; employee benefits; private aviation; equine, farm and ranch; life insurance; and international coverages.

“When someone asks me where I work I am proud to say Celedinas Insurance Group,” said one employee.

The agency was started back in 1959 in Florida by Celedinas’ father as a Nationwide Insurance Agency. Ray Celedinas began his career at the agency in 1985 and the company has since grown to a nationwide agency with seven locations in the state and partnering with more than 150 carriers.

Employees said despite this growth, the culture of the company has remained one of commitment to clients and to providing a best-in-class work environment.

“I have been employed with Celedinas Insurance Group for 21 years. I have watched this agency grow from 6 employees to over 130. As the agency grew, I was able to grow in my career, knowledge and advance to running the private client division within the agency,” said one employee. “As the principal of the agency, Ray Celedinas is active, engaged with the clients, the staff and management. He is involved in the community and our reputation in the industry is stellar. We encourage employee growth, participation, and advancement.”

Celedinas said the challenges of owning and managing such a large brokerage are exciting to him and he truly enjoys the relationships he’s formed with clients, insurance companies and his staff. He also enjoys the “opportunity to be innovative and to educate others.”

“The insurance industry offers a constant learning experience,” Celedinas said. “The opportunity to work with clients, learn about their needs and offer them advice and solutions that are geared toward helping them protect their families and assets gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”

That’s a value he seems to have successfully passed on to his employees, who said Celedinas makes the effort to get to know each employee. This year, Celedinas sponsored an employee appreciation week that consisted of meals, massages, a candy bar, and happy hour.

“I believe the way employers treat their employees is a reflection of how they will treat their clients. Each morning, Monday-Friday, rain or shine, Ray Celedinas is in the office,” said one survey respondent. “He’s all about creating such a pleasant environment… It’s very refreshing to have a leader that is so in tune with his employees but also the business itself.”

Another employee cited Celedinas’ motto to follow the “Golden Rule”— that is “treat others the way you would want to be treated.” Celedinas’ said that has been a cornerstone philosophy of the company for more than 55 years.

“He is wonderful to work for, is highly respected by all in every arena. I am blessed to be here,” said the employee.

Celedinas’ said receiving the Best Agency to Work for Award is a testament to the quality of people that make-up the company.

“Our entire staff has continuously raised the bar in terms of the level of service, advice and expertise delivered to our clients on a daily basis, and I am extremely proud of what we accomplished together,” he said.

Related:

Popular Today